Monthly Archives: March 2015

Most men have experienced problems getting or maintaining an erection at some point in their lives.

Many factors can contribute to these issues and it is important to always see your doctor to ensure there is not an underlying medical condition which needs addressing.

Begin by consulting with your primary health care physician and have a complete physical.

Most problems with erection can be resolved by treating underlying health problems or making a few changes to your lifestyle.

Depression, thyroid issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, hormone levels, or medications you are taking may be the cause of your erectile dysfunction.

If there is no underlying health condition and you’ve received a clean bill of health, issues in your relationship may also contribute to problems achieving or maintaining an erection. If you and your partner no longer care for each other, are not attracted to each other, fight often, communicate poorly, or are bored, these factors can contribute to erection problems.

Open dialogue with your partner and talk about any issues you feel you are having, seek couples counselling, spice up your sex life through play and new activities together, or do other things to work on your relationship.

If your relationship isn’t the issue either, cut down on smoking or quit, reduce or eliminate alcohol or drug use, exercise daily and eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest and make sure you eliminating stress or are using relaxation techniques. All or any of these factors may cause men to have erection issues. Sometimes the answer is as simple as adding a bit of exercise and eating better. If your body is stressed and tired from your lifestyle, there’s a good chance you will encounter erection problems at some point.

If none of these situations applies or has been cleared as being the issue, it may be time to consult your physician. Your doctor will give you a thorough examination and discuss your lifestyle as well as the medications you are taking. The examination will involve checking your penis, scrotum, and prostate to ensure that there is no inflammation, irregularities, or blockages which could be causing your erection issues such as a swollen prostate.

The solution:

Some men have found improvement in their erectile dysfunction with the use of penis pumps. This is a good option for those who are unable to take prescription or natural supplement options or who have not found improvement using these methods. A penis pump can be used by most men except those who suffer from bleeding issues or take blood thinners, those with a spinal cord injury or diminished sensation in their penis, history of prolonged erection, or who have a curved penis. Most men using water assited penis pumps are able to maintain an erection for 30 minutes but the band should be removed after that amount of time to reduce the risk of injury.

What else?

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, frequent exercise, adequate rest, elimination of stress, and dealing with relationship issues are often enough to prevent or resolve erection problems. Consulting with a physician can ensure no underlying health issues or medications are interfering with your ability to get or maintain an erection. Therapies for mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or self-esteem issues, can also help to eliminate erectile dysfunction through dealing with any issues you may be encountering or through the use of relaxation techniques.

Medications which may cause erection issues will be changed or adjusted as this may be the cause of your erectile dysfunction. If you are suffering from a hormone imbalance or other medical issue, prescription medications may also be prescribed to help you with this issue or your doctor may prescribe you a medication to increase the strength and intensity of your erection to help you achieve the functioning you previously enjoyed.

There are many ways to help eliminate and treat erectile dysfunction and there is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss this with your partner or your physician. Most men will encounter some issue with achieving or maintaining erection at some point in their lives and with all of the treatments available, there is no need to feel badly about it or just tolerate it. Talk with your partner and make an appointment to discuss your erectile dysfunction with your physician and get back to enjoying your sex life.

So, you’ve been to your primary health care practitioner and have been given a clean bill of health. There are no underlying and untreated physical illnesses or conditions like high blood pressure, hormone imbalance, or diabetes at work.

What do you do next?

After you’ve begun making healthy lifestyles changes to increase overall health for optimal sexual health performance, it may be time to consider other options.

Prescription Options

Many medications and supplements exist for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and can give you and your partner back the sexual fulfillment you both previously enjoyed.

Treatment options can depend on your age or overall health status in addition to the source of your erectile difficulties. Whether you opt for prescription medication, supplements, injections, surgeries, or tools like the penis pump, there is a right solution specifically for you out there and waiting.

Current prescription options on the market generally surround five drugs which work by increasing blood flow to the penis. This type of medication can have side effects or should not be used by individuals with certain health conditions so it’s important to speak to your doctor and follow dosing instructions and warnings carefully. New treatments are in the development and testing stages which will provide additional options to those who are unable to take the standard oral prescriptions or have less side effects.

In Development or Testing

One such medication is currently on the market in Europe but is on hold for further testing in North America before it can be released. It works through the stimulation of dopamine, a brain chemical, which increases sexual sensations and interest and is a dissolvable tablet which is slid under your tongue. Other options currently being studied range from gene therapy to creams to melanocortin activators which will be delivered through a nose spray and affect the central nervous system.

Natural Supplements

If prescriptions are not up your alley, plenty of natural supplements and remedies have been deemed effective and safe for treating erectile dysfunction.

Panax Ginseng, or Red Ginseng, has been studied for use in treating erectile dysfunction. This herb should be used for short periods as it can have complications with longer use. The most common side effect is insomnia and this herbal product can interact negatively with alcohol or medications so speak to your pharmacist or health care provider before using it.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone which is naturally produced by the body but can be made into supplement form through the use of wild yam or soy. This supplement was found effective except in cases where erectile dysfunction existed due to diabetic or other nerve disorders. Side effects generally were upset stomach, acne, or hair loss.

L-arginine, or arginine, is found in meat and dairy products but can be created in a lab. It works by expanding blood vessels so has a similar action to prescription erectile dysfunction medications. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. This supplement should not be taken by anyone using a prescription erectile dysfunction medication or anyone taking nitrates or high blood pressure medicines.

Before taking any new medication or supplement, it is important to consult with your health care provider or pharmacist to ensure it doesn’t interact with any medications you may be taking. You may also have a health condition which could be worsened by taking medications or supplements without consulting your physician. With so many prescription, supplement, surgical, and lifestyle changes available, there is no need to frustrated by erectile difficulties. Make an appointment with your doctor and discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing with getting or maintaining an erection and discuss your options thoroughly. Your doctor can tell you which prescription, supplement, or lifestyle change will have the best effects for your particular issue and health concerns.